The plan for Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in India seems to be on track once again, after a light derailment. Following the protests at Nandigram and other proposed SEZ sites, the government has decided that "no state can compulsorily acquire land from farmers" - the onus will now shifted onto the developers. Instead of the government acquiring land, promoters would have to approach landowners and acquire property at commercial rates.
Last month, the government suspended land clearances for special economic zones (SEZs) following clashes between protesting farmers and the police who were sent to clear land for a petrochemical hub in the Marxist ruled eastern West Bengal state.
Fourteen people were killed when police opened fire in Nandigram, a village 120 kilometres (75 miles) south of West Bengal state capital Kolkata.
The government said permission would be now be given for 83 SEZs and India's Board of Approvals will consider 162 SEZs which already have initial approval, along with 140 new applications. Approval would be given to applications where there was no land dispute, the government said. 63 SEZs have already received final clearance.The SEZ scheme to give foreign firms Chinese-style tax-free enclaves to push industrialisation has met with massive protests from landowners.
06-Apr-07 
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